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 "Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty." These words describing the first Thanksgiving, penned over 380 years ago, are attributed Edward Winslow, a leader of the Plimouth Colony.
Since that time family and friends have gathered to give thanks for bountiful harvest, the company of each other, and all the things that help to enrich our lives. We invite you then, to come and celebrate A 19th Century Thanksgiving with our family at The Historic Village at Allaire.
 The day begins with an authentic Thanksgiving Service at the Village Chapel, Christ Episcopal Church, where the Rite Reverend Thomas Tanser, Howell Works Company minister of 1836, will deliver his Harvest Sermon.٭ Visitors are then invited to wander the streets of the Historic Village and enjoy the autumn foliage as they make their way to the home of the Howell Works Company Manager, James Parshal Smith, where a traditional Thanksgiving Feast is being prepared over the open hearth. The delicious aroma of turkey, roasting in a tin reflector oven., fills the kitchen as period clad Historic Interpreters demonstrate the arts of 19th Century Cooking while preparing such Thanksgiving favorites as apple and pumpkin pies, vegetable dishes, and an varied array of side dishes. While waiting for the turkey to brown, there will be hands-on demonstrations of cider-pressing and opportunities to join in some 19th Century games.
A stop at the home of the Howell Works Company Foreman Jacob Johnson is always in order on Thanksgiving, as he and his wife Sarah prepare to leave for a visit to their families nearby, for the holiday. Don't forget to pay a call on Mr. Allaire, at his home, and gain an understanding of how an affluent family of the early 19th Century celebrated Thanksgiving. Of course the Craftsmen will be in their shops to demonstrate their skills and explain the arts of being a Blacksmith, Carpenter, Tinsmith and Wheelwright.
No outing to the Historic Village would be complete without a stop at the General Store Museum Gift Shoppe where visitors are welcome to browse the aisles of one of the largest stores of its time in New Jersey. If it is refreshments you seek, then a stop at the Howell Works Bakery is in order for a cup of hot cider and a piece of apple cake.
We sincerely hope you and your family will join us for this free event, sponsored by Allaire Village, Inc., the non profit educational organization which operates the Historic Village at Allaire and sponsors its programs. We at the Historic Village wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
٭ While portions of the actual sermon of the Rev. Thomas Tanser and the authentic Episcopalian Thanksgiving Eucharist Service, taken from the 1787 Book of Common Prayer are used, this is an historic re-enactment and not an actual church service. All participants are First Person Historic Interpreters and neither the Historic Village at Allaire nor Allaire Village, Inc. endorse any one specific denomination or form of religion. This Service is presented solely for its historic and educational value and content.
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